Rodeo Chic by Michelle Casas Groogan
Vacationing with Wolves Christan Fuqua, Anne Richardson and Leslie Denby
Neighbors Changing the World Breaking for Spring Recipe Wars Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD
This Month in Dining: Sports Bars
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
S
o maybe we weren’t riding the range with a thunderstorm bearing down, threatening to wash away our calves. But it sure felt that way as we watched the hard rain drown out our outdoor photo shoot at the Houston Polo Club for this month’s cover story on rodeo fashion. Coordinating two photographers and more than 18 residents’ schedules had been no easy task for always-cheerful associate editor Annie Blaylock McQueen. One hour before, we had to cancel. Buzz editor Joni Hoffman’s dreaded first call was to Anne Richardson, who had rounded up 11 members of her rodeo-loving family for the photos. Anne said, “There’s no way we can possibly get everyone together again.” Then, a beautiful thing happened. Texas women took control. Anne, Joni, Annie and rodeo media manager Sarah Poole showed range-worthy resourcefulness. They redirected everyone to the Reliant Center board room, and the show went on. Cowboy up, everyone, and happy rodeoing. michael@thebuzzmagazines.com
THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 memorialbuzz.com • facebook.com/memorialbuzz Editor Publisher Associate Editors Vice President, Sales Staff Writers
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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Annie Blaylock McQueen Jay Janecek Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Dave Schafer Cheryl Ursin Jacob Padden Jordan Magaziner John Duboise Leslie Little Andrea Blitzer Darsey Swaim Erin Thompson Laura Callan Helen Hamilton Michele Luke
On our cover: Anne Richardson (center) wears a Saddle Ridge Vintage Collection dress. Daughter Leslie Denby (at right) wears a vintage Anne jacket, and daughter Christan Fuqua (at left) wears a Scully skirt. Cover photo by Michael Hart Photography, www.hartphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Copyright © 2014 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.
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MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 5
MAILBAG
Your letters, thoughts, opinions Story helped her find old friend Thumbing through the most recent Buzz this month, I was quite shocked and delighted to see a familiar face: a photo of a handsome young man, who looked exactly as I remembered him when I was in grade school in our small hometown, Edna, Texas. The article, Love Lost and Found (by Andria Frankfort, February 2014), related a wonderful story about a couple who reunited in marriage after a lapse of 20 years apart, and it was undisputedly George Simons. I immediately contacted The Buzz to request the possibility of contacting him. Now we are communicating, sharing and recalling the deep, historical ties which always existed between our families, further enriched by subsequent generations. Interestingly, I also discovered that the nephew of a friend with whom he maintains contact is married to my sister! Having lived and raised my family in Houston it is very consoling to discover a connection from my hometown residing in such proximity to my neighborhood. After these many years we would never have recognized one another even within the perimeters of WU, so it is a happy circumstance that through The Buzz we experienced “Friendship: Lost and Found!” Susan Vance Williford
We started chatting for a while, and I told I her I needed to run so I could get to carpool and I still had to find some peanuts before I left. She said she was looking for peanuts, too. So, we headed off to find the nut aisle together. She told me she was trying a recipe for almond bark that she saw in The Buzz (Back Porch: Gifts You Can Eat, by Andria Frankfort, December 2013). I started cracking up and told her that was my recipe!! What are the odds?! Too funny! Kelly Evans Editor’s note: For Kelly’s recipe, see Andria’s story under the Food tab on our website: memorialbuzz.com.
Writer got it right We enjoyed our contact with Andria Frankfort concerning the article about us in The Buzz (Love Lost and Found, February 2014). She was very concise and interested in details about our story. We commend you in having her as a member of your staff. Sammie and George Simons Send letters to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.
What’s your story?
Great! But now everyone knows As a 19-year resident of West University and a 16-year part-time resident of Telluride (in recent years at the Fairmont Franz Klammer) I was thrilled to see the story on wonderful Telluride (Travel Buzz: Texans in Telluride, by Tracy L. Barnett, February 2014). You captured some of the laid-back atmosphere of the town. My only hesitancy is that too much publicity might attract too many people. It has grown a lot in our years there. Each Monday at the Fairmont Franz Klammer reception for owners and guests, a favorite game is, “What part of Texas/Houston are you from?” Bert Campbell
We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Know an amazing mother we should profile. • Are planning a wedding or recently got married. • Have a personal photo with a meaningful story behind it. • Have gone or know someone who has gone sailing in Greece. • Know an intelligent person who lacks street smarts or common sense.
Going nuts over Buzz recipe I have to share a funny story with you. I was at HEB, outside the Loop, just before Christmas, and a woman stopped me to compliment my boots.
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If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.
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BUZZ PICS
Vacationing With Wolves Instead of lounging on a beach, this college student studied wolves in Colorado and brought home never-ending memories. Submitted by Kelly Engler
When and where was the photo taken? Northwestern University Alternative Student Break 2013 at Mission: Wolf, a non-profit wolf sanctuary in the remote Colorado mountains. Who is pictured? I am rubbing the belly of Abe, an “ambassador wolf.” I went to Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and now am a junior at Northwestern University, majoring in theater and psychology. I wanted to do something adventurous over Spring Break, and I'm especially interested in studying animal behavior as it relates to acting and psychology. What is happening here? The sanctuary was started by Kent Weber in 1986 to provide a safe haven for captive wolves. They believe that keeping wild animals as pets does not end well. Wolves are not domesticated like dogs, who have been bred to be subservient. MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 8
Wolves prefer to interact with humans on their own accord. So Kent taught us the pressurerelease technique. You ignore the wolves and let them approach you. Then, when they come around, you bare your teeth to them so they can smell you. They can tell your age, gender and mood, all from sniffing your teeth. To make them come closer, you do the opposite of what you'd normally do. With dogs, you'd usually pull them over and hug them. With wolves, you touch them only for a second (pressure) and then let go (release). This makes them want to come closer. My favorite wolf was Farah. She licked all over my face and even knocked me over a bit. Kent told me to pull her in closer if I wanted her to back off. So I grabbed her fur and tugged her closer, and she quickly scooted back. She was high-energy and just wanted to lick me, but she doesn't necessarily know how delicate humans are compared to her wolf strength.
Why is the photo special to you? It embodies all that I learned at Mission: Wolf. I learned what it means to be sustainable and why that's important. Learning how wolves operate opened my eyes to how to interact with these gorgeous creatures. They are not monsters; they are simply misunderstood. I hope more people will learn how to live peacefully alongside these creatures before they go extinct. Every picture tells a story. Buzz Pics highlights a resident’s special photo and tells the story behind it. To submit your own Buzz Pics, send a high-resolution photo and answers to the Q&A questions. Total word length, including the questions, should be 300350 words. Send to info@thebuzzmagazines.com, or call 713-668-4157, ext. 22. With a print photo, bring it by or mail to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Please include your email, phone and home address. Stories may be edited for clarity or space.
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NEIGHBORS
by Michelle Casas Groogan, staff writer
Rodeo Chic
A
s sure as you’ll find an honest-to-goodness cowboy in spurs at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, so too will you the finest urban-western duds – from fivefigure custom boots to heirloom-quality buckles to a Silver Belly Stetson. It’s as clear as a Corral Club shot of tequila that well-heeled city slickers know how to embrace this three-week invasion of country and western culture in style. Mary Ellen Verbois’ devotion to the rodeo started in 1974. Now on the Trailblazers and International committees, you can bet she has some gems in her closets. She pulled from an assortment of concho belts with Americanmined turquoise and coral accents to demonstrate how a gal can accessorize a simple blouse and jeans. “We used to dress to the nines. It’s very hard now to wear a total suede outfit,” said Verbois, who said attire has evolved from formal to casual now that the rodeo extends into Spring Break. “I’ve gone through all the changes and the styles. Years ago, it was the Native American squash blossom necklace that was in. Rodeo style has transitioned so much, and now that you have concho belts and jewelry you can take anything and make it western.” Gerry Waters, a marketing consultant who works with local refugees, is newer to the rodeo scene but has become an avid fan since moving to Houston from England 15 years ago. Her brother-in-law is a professional rodeo cowboy. “When I moved to Texas, I thought rodeos were just done for tourists in ol’ cowboy towns,” said Waters. “The first time I came to Houston, I went to the rodeo and I was completely blown away.” She has embraced the culture and fashion. “I’m not a glitzy dresser, and I don’t like a lot of bling. I like earthy, authentic and very strong colors, usually browns, blacks, reds and turquoises. I’ve got some big turquoise jewelry. But I love Emily Armenta – her jewelry is really strong and fantastic for accessorizing with western wear.” A jacket is a must for Gerry’s getup, and her favorites include apparel by Double D Ranch, suede by Scully or Paparazzi by Biz with intricate embroidered detailing. She is inspired by what others are wearing. MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 10
“I love the beginning of the rodeo when everyone is walking in looking their very best. Everybody is different. There are purists who wear tiny skirts and incredible boots and have the beautiful legs in between.” Her 10-year-old daughter Thalie’s ranch-wear collection is growing too. “I have a jacket with fringes and brown boots that have stitched design on them,” said Thalie. “I have some fantastic leggings that I wear. We have a lot of fun shopping together.” Fashion has become such a big seller at the HLSR that there is a waiting list for merchants to get a booth. This year, 350 were awarded coveted spots. Pat Mann Phillips, director of energy servDAPPER DUO Britt Denby wears a George Strait Resistol hat, Joseph Abboud ices at Revenade, spends sport coat, rodeo vest and custom ostrich boots from Tejas Custom Boots. Leslie countless volunteer Denby wears a vintage Anne jacket, leather pants and Stallion boots. hours at the rodeo on where. And don’t forget to check out the sale the board of directors and as founding chair of rack in the men’s department. Consignment the Tours Committee, but her western sense shops will often have a good variety of seasonal comes from experience on the farm and four boots, jackets, hats and handbags.” decades of helping run a family-owned farm and Chris and Anne Richardson know a thing or ranch store. two about style. She is the 2010 recipient of the “My wardrobe is probably considered pretty Pearl Trailblazer Award, which honors top rodeo eclectic because I daily mix a lot of western and volunteers, and he serves on the Executive or Ralph Lauren-esque clothing into my tradiCommittee. They have a suite at Reliant tional wardrobe,” said Phillips. “Comfy leggings Stadium that they entertain in almost every and a tunic, from just about anywhere, make a night of the rodeo. Her “rodeo closet” is made great foundation. As long as you have a few good up of racks of clothes that take up most of the accessories, boots, jewelry, maybe a vest or scarf, third floor of her townhouse. you can put together a fun western outfit. Boho “When you get a bunch (continued on page 12) looks mix in well. Tunics are popular and every-
Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com
FASHIONISTAS Cindy Owen (at left), co-chair of the March 13 Rocking the Rodeo Runway Fashion Show, wears a Patricia Wolf vest, Bing Crosby jewelry and Twisted boots. April McGee (at right), Cindy’s co-chair, wears Lucchese boots, a tunic top by Ivy Jane, and a Charlie 1 Horse hat.
is going to be fashion that happens,” said Anne Richardson. “It’s a fun environment, and you can get out of your box when you get ready for rodeo. I like to bring out some relics, and they’ll still work. You don’t even have to have a big huge western wardrobe – you can just accessorize to make things western.” “Sure there is some fancy dress, but western clothes really have a practical purpose,” said Chris Richardson. “They were used for protection of the cowboy – the jackets used to keep him warm, the hats to block the sun and the scarves to protect from all the dust. It’s part of our Texas heritage.” Rodeo has been a longtime family affair for the Richardsons. Their daughters, Christan Fuqua and Leslie Denby, both work the Trailblazer committee, along with their husbands. Matt Fuqua is chairman of the Junior Lamb and Goat Auction Committee. Many committees have moved toward vest uniforms, but it’s not stopping men from taking rodeo accessories seriously. “We have a nice rodeo vest we wear. It’s also a way to show what you’re working on – it’s a badge of honor,” said Fuqua. “I have a couple vests I like to wear, sports coats and jackets, but the buckles are a big deal. Customized belt buckles represent certain levels of money that have been raised.” This year the Fuquas gifted each other a pair of custom-made alligator boots for their 10th anniversary. Matt actually shot the alligator and saw it through the tanning process. But nothing beats dressing up their three little boys. “Some of the most fun we have is getting our kids duded up,” said Matt. “They love walking around wearing their chaps and hats, and we’ll get them a rope.” Brock Wagner, owner of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, decided nothing would be better than custom-made boots with hops on them, the flowering part of the plant used to make beer. He took his idea to Mike Kuykendahl of Tejas Custom Boots in Montrose, who has been making boots for 25 years, and they spent months brainstorming the idea. In the end, it was the normally useless piece of skin from a crocodile’s foot that proved the key. The scales had the same texture as the leaves on the hop cones. “They’re awesome. People love them,” said
Fashion show March 13 Rodeo-goers are invited to the Rocking the Rodeo Runway Fashion Show in Reliant Arena, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13. The show is included in your livestockshow admission. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs March 4-23 at Reliant Park. See rodeohouston.com.
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Wagner. “I wear them to the brewery a couple of days a week. I have always loved wearing boots. I was the one kid wearing boots to high school in Cincinnati. I have always loved the outdoors and hiking, and I love going to the rodeo and looking at all the livestock – even the chickens are oddly compelling.” Some of the more glamorous and creative rodeo fashion doesn’t come from ranch-wear stores and instead has a biker edge. Jacki Cosgrove owns Azuz, a clothing boutique in Rice Village. “We don’t have any western wear. We have items that you can wear to the rodeo and be in style and current, then go and wear it to brunch the next day. It’s as easy as taking a crocheted hand-dyed dress or a blouse made with chain mail and putting it with boots and jewelry, and you’re ready for the show,” said Cosgrove. John McAleer, owner of the popular Buffalo Grille, is comfortable in boots and jeans year round. The member of the Judging Contest KICKER Brock Wagner, owner of Saint Arnold Brewery, brainstormed a long Committee, Tejas time before deciding on custom boots with hop-flower inlays of crocodile-feet skin Vaqueros Trail Ride and from Tejas Custom Boots. Valley Lodge Trail Ride off of gorgeous sterling silver beads but stacked is happiest on his family-owned land outside up – that is the jewelry buzz right now,” said Houston. But he won’t let you label him a bona Maida. “Not just one necklace, but maybe two fide rancher. or three of different lengths.” “I’m not a cowboy. I’m not a city slicker. I’m Michelle Wasaff, daughter of Mary Ellen in between – I’m a Texan,” said McAleer. “I’ve Verbois, chair of the Trailblazers Committee, is a got about four different hats, and I’ll buy cheap full-time working mom of two. Her stylish rodeo ones. I keep it real simple and classy. I usually fashion sense is all about easy and sophisticated. wear [custom] M.L. Leddy’s boots with khakis “If I’m going to something that calls for cowboy and white button-down shirts. I like dressing just chic attire, then I’m gonna go buy a cocktail dress like my granddad did.” and pair it with my tall boots because those are He has lovingly held on to some heirloom more elegant. Then I’ll add a hat with some jewpieces like buckles and jackets passed down from elry,” said Wasaff. “Anything like lace, crochet, his grandparents. “I don’t consider myself a fashor anything with texture always works. Even your ionable person at all. But my grandmother used work blazer can be made to look western with to always get voted best dressed.” accessories. Confidence can pull anything off.” Jason Christopher Maida of Maida’s Belts and Buckles, just back from a big jewelry conference, Editor’s note: Photos were shot at the Louis M. says the big hype is all about turquoise. Pearce, Jr. Board Dining Room at Reliant Park. “American-mined turquoise pendants hanging Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com
(continued from page 10) of women together, there
Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com
STAR STYLE Singer/songwriter Libby Koch, who will be playing at the Rodeo’s Wine Garden March 15, has a Gretsch Tennessee Rose guitar. The guitar strap is from Souldier Straps in Chicago.
www.hartphoto.com
RODEO RUNWAY Matt Fuqua wears James Morado custom alligator boots, a Silver Belly hat and a volunteer’s leather badge holder. Wife Christan Fuqua wears a Scully skirt, Etcetera sheer and leopard top and full-length, custom James Morado boots.
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RODEO ROYALTY Anne Richardson, Trailblazer Pearl Award winner, wears a Kippy appliqué jacket, porcupine-quill hatband and Lucchese lizard boots. Chris Richardson of the Executive Committee wears a Pinto Ranch jacket, 200X American Hat from The Hat Store and M.L. Leddy’s custom alligator boots.
Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com
FAMILY FASHION Gerry Waters (at left) wears a Milano hat, Paparazzi jacket, Gretty Zueger shirt and Lucchese boots. Daughter Thalie wears a Plainsman hat, Rockmount jacket and Ariat boots. Dad Lou wears a Resistol hat, Ryan Michael shirt, Levi’s jeans and Lucchese boots.
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GO WEST Matt Fuqua, chairman of the Lamb and Goat Auction Committee, loves to dress up his sons, Luke (at left), Graham (right) and his youngest, Clay, Western-style.
NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Neighbors changing the world
T
he theory of collective consciousness says we’re all connected, and while we’re all living our own small lives, there’s something bigger going on. While working individually in their own distinct corners of the world, Lisa Helfman and Mandy Stein are both making big strides toward change. Lisa is director of real estate services at Texas Children’s Hospital and mom of two young boys. Mandy, 22 and a recent University of Texas at Austin graduate, lives across the globe in Tanzania. Both are connecting the dots in inspiring ways.
Lisa Helfman: Fresh produce for everyone Three years ago, Lisa was a working mom and a runner in good health, but her energy was low. So she decided to cut back on processed foods and join a weekly fruit and vegetable co-op. She thought the fresh produce would inspire better choices for herself and her family, and her hunch was right. Her sons, now 8 and 5, began tasting the swiss chard on their parents’ plates and asking for more apples. Lisa says she knew things had shifted when her son Drew, then 5, looked at a birthday cake and then up at her to ask, “Mama, do I have to eat this?” Around the same time, she and her husband, Jonathan Adler, a real estate developer, sat at a Texans game, taking stock of the other fans. For the first time, Lisa says, she and Jonathan noticed what everyone was eating, which, of course, was junk. “We thought about what a big change we had made at home, and we wondered how we could make it bigger,” Lisa says. “We thought about the need to change inner city kids’ eating habits and wondered if we could bring what we and our own kids had learned into the schools.” At the time, Lisa was participating in an American Leadership Forum class where they were discussing ways to effect positive change. Lisa brought her idea, tentatively, to her group. An enthusiastic response led to networking, which led to a conversation with Mike Feinberg, a founder of KIPP (the Knowledge Is Power Program public charter schools). Lisa says he told MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 18
BAGGED Lisa Helfman sits amidst 550 bags full of fresh Brighter Bites produce ready for students and teachers to take home.
her in that first meeting that if she could put the program together, she could launch it at KIPP. More networking ensued, and Lisa eventually enlisted support from the Houston Food Bank (the largest food bank in the country), which offered to be the project’s food distributor, its president taking it on as his personal project. Next, the University of Texas School of Public Health dialed in, adding a teaching component to the program. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” Lisa says. “I just had an idea and connected all the leaders.” With that, she put the building blocks – school, food and nutritional education – in place. Lisa piloted the project at KIPP Explore, a school in the East End of Houston’s downtown where more than 90 percent qualify for free lunches. She and her small team began distributing produce and educational flyers to 200 families. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Every one of the families who participated in the optional program that first fall semester signed up again in the spring. Today, Lisa oversees the distribution of produce to 2,300 families in 12 schools. “One third-grade boy told us he’d never had an orange before,” Lisa says. “Now they’re trying all this gorgeous produce, and they’re chasing us asking for kale smoothies!” In addition to overseeing distribution, Lisa writes grant proposals, resulting thus far in some
$3 million funneling in from the State of Texas, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The funding has enabled the project – now dubbed Brighter Bites – to hire three full-time staffers who office at the Food Bank, which incubates the program with office space, equipment and staff benefits. Six researchers at UT work on the project, and six interns rotate through. Parents at the schools sort and bag the fresh fruits and vegetables, and they’re given handbooks containing weekly nutrition lessons and recipes teaching them how to use the produce. Bags are co-branded with HEB, another sponsor, and soon families will get coupons to help them purchase healthy foods at the grocery store. There’s a PE component as well, with coaches being trained in nutrition and healthy activities for the kids. Dallas schools are next – they also received funding from the state legislature to implement the project – and some foundations are looking to take Brighter Bites national. Brian Greene, president and CEO of Houston Food Bank, says, “We are excited about the potential scale and replicability of the Brighter Bites model. Houston Food Bank loves to channel our food where it can not only feed people but also have a lasting impact.” Lisa adds, “We’re supercharging the Food Bank by sending the food out with the impact of education.” Little by little, she says, “We’re changing behavior.”
GRACE Mandy Stein, surrounded here by the African orphans she supports, named her nonprofit "Neema" International, meaning "grace" in Swahili.
Mandy Stein: From Austin to Africa While Mandy says there wasn’t “one particular thing” that caused her to move to Africa and work with orphaned children there, a family vacation in Kenya was key to opening her eyes – and her heart – to effecting change halfway across the globe. “Our family was on a luxurious safari, but our short detour into a Maasai village had a lifechanging effect on me,” Mandy writes from Tanzania. “These people lived off the land and had few to no material possessions at all. They were lacking access to medical care and education.” Mandy says when she came home from that trip, she couldn’t stop thinking about the villagers she met and the “hundreds of millions of other individuals around the world who lack access to the same things.” A few years later, while attending The University of Texas at Austin, Mandy returned to Africa to volunteer and teach in an impoverished, remote village. On her first day in Tanzania, a little boy gave her the name “Neema,” meaning “blessing” or “grace” in Swahili. It was on that trip that she promised the children with whom she was working – the Tuleeni orphans – that she would come back. “Many volunteers make promises to these children, but they very rarely follow through. I am not one to make promises I cannot keep.” So
Mandy went back to Africa, again and again, during Christmas and summer breaks from school. This past June, she moved there. Mandy is now executive director of Neema International, a non-profit organization she founded with the goal of improving the lives of East Africa’s youth. She spends her time working and living with the Tuleeni orphans, named “Tuleeni,” or “care for us” in Swahili, by the orphanage’s founder, an African woman who was once an orphan herself and began taking in children one by one. Most of the children Mandy works with were orphaned when their parents died of HIV/AIDS. She calls herself “a mom, a social worker, a mentor, a teacher.” In the 28 years that the Tuleeni Orphanage has existed, it has never had as many children enrolled in private schools. “We feel we are on the brink of something great that will help us transform the lives of hundreds of other children in our village,” Mandy says. Mandy also fundraises and is helping to build a bigger orphanage with a community center/educational facility. The new structure will include classrooms and a community library and computer lab, where people in the Tanzanian village of Uru will have access to educational opportunities promoting a sustainable lifestyle. “These people are stuck in a crushing cycle of poverty that will continue for generations to come, unless someone does something
to stop it,” Mandy says. Family friend and Neema supporter Lesley Robbins says she’s watched Mandy grow up and “always knew what she was doing but never anticipated that she would essentially give everything away to go and help these children. What she’s doing is phenomenal.” Even at 22, Mandy has volunteered extensively in the States, having served as a mentor, tutor and counselor at “the poorest middle school in Austin, which works on drop-out prevention. These children, just like me, were born in America and dealt a hand of cards,” the Bellaire resident and graduate of The Emery/Weiner School says. “I never understood why I was handed a life filled with education, opportunity and unconditional love, while there were other children who didn’t know where their next meal would come from.” Mandy recognizes that there is a lot of work to do at home. “The wide variety of people I have worked with [at home] live with hardships and disadvantages, but they are blessed to live in America, where opportunities do exist and resources are available, even if they are difficult to obtain.” Mandy knows she “may not be able to save everyone’s life. But at the end of the day,” she says, “at least you will be able to say that you were one of the people who went out and tried to do something.” MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 19
NEIGHBORS
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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Rumor Has It All were winners. The 100 “drivers” at Liam Robinson’s 4th Grand Prix walked through a track and banner entrance to get their pit pass and sunglasses to celebrate Liam’s 4th birthday. They chose matchbox cars to race and later received medals and trophies. “Pit bosses” Kate and Bill Robinson and their “pit crew,” baby Nora and racecar driver Uncle Steven Johnson in his No. 42 race car, added to the scene. Some revved-up fans were Sam and John Henry Robbins, Jack Stephenson, Rhodes Harper, Harper Patton, Daniel Wilkin, Charlie, Max and Vivian Miller, Trey Smalling, Hadley Atwood, Hunter and Kaelyn Edmonds, Carter Wallis and Elise Hardig, Dylan Keracik, Brooke Davis, Ethan Kerr and Blake Vanderslice and Grace Franklin. West Coast weekend. When Rick Burleson turned 60, friend Keith McCarthy gave him a ticket to join him to watch Auburn and Florida State at the Rose Bowl stadium. Wives Cecily Burleson and Meredith McCarthy partied with the fellows at the Peninsula in Los Angeles during the luxurious long weekend. The gals opted for watching the game at the hotel and doing some damage on Rodeo Drive while the guys tried to figure out who to root for, being conservative Longhorns at heart. Sylvia and Ricardo Gauthier, who moved to San Diego from Houston, met up for a visit. Sightings included Matt Lauer in a black Rolls Royce and Johnny Football (Johnny Manziel). J.R. Burleson, who lives in L.A., joined his parents from some eats. Miles of fun. Wilchester Elementary parents, children and dogs were bundled up when Wilchester PTA hosted its Fun Run that started on Britoak and wound throughout the neighborhood to the finish line at Wilchester Elementary. The event was planned by Wilchester Moms, with leaders Christine Gentil and Kathy Blundell, and The Wilchester Men’s Club provided manpower on race day. Seen jumping over the finish line were Aaron Bach, Evan Oxspring, Ryan Smith, Connor Haygood and Colin Tenney, along with principal Rian Evans, assistant principal Channon Almendarez and teachers Holly Davis and MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 20
PIT CREW Bill and Kate Robinson, with baby Nora, staged a race car-themed fourth-birthday party for son Liam.
Jennifer Franson. The runners were greeted by coach Anne Daily and other Wilchester staff. Extraordinary. Friends flew to La Jolla for sunshine and a New Year’s celebration to be remembered. A clue that the Maitre D’ Restaurant was special came when individual ice swans with intermezzo sorbet were presented. Joe Davis, Rickie Prichard, Wanda Taylor and Jimmy Lyons were joined by La Jolla residents Ken Berry and Sue Taylor Ball. The group toured the wine country, walked along the beach, tried Segway rides and sampled espresso martinis at a beach restaurant. A point of amusement at the San Diego airport was a pet bathroom. On the door it said Pet Relief. Inside was artificial grass with a plastic fire hydrant and a poopy-bag stand. California dreaming. One of a kind. Forty ladies attended the Frostwood Women’s Club Holiday Luncheon and Artistic Market held at Lakeside Country Club. Sue Marion and Michelle McAllister, social co-chairs, were happy to include members Dixie Shelton, who sold custom, hand-crafted jewelry, and author Sue Shefman, who sold her children’s book, The Active Alphabet. Co-presidents Harriett Lester and Alison Stewart admired the gold-dusted poinsettia décor.
Tiara and boas. Not everyone is crazy about football. One such Memorialite found camaraderie with like-minded gals and invited them to an Un-Super Bowl party (during the Super Bowl) to watch the Miss USA 2013 pageant, which she had recorded in June. The 16 gals drew a number and found door prizes hidden in purses on display. A list of pageant contestants was provided, for checking off fave candidates. Some of those arriving in banners were Libby Reisman and Jill Reichman. Without watching even a quarter, winners in a Super Bowl pool were Joanne Naponic, Mary Reed, Paulette Levine and Joan Lebow. First son. Julian Oscar Aaron was born Jan. 9, 2014. The 7-pound, 3-ounce, baby is the firstborn for parents Teresa and Michael Aaron, recently of Atlanta. Julian has a cat (Sadie) and a newly adopted rescue dog (Murray). Grandparents Barbara and Stuart Aaron, Aunt Kayla Aaron and Aunt Blythe and Uncle Nir Grossman went to Atlanta to meet and sing The Eyes of Texas to Julian. Jadyn, Élan and Bennett Grossman will meet their new cousin on Spring Break. Have some good news to share? We want to know. Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 21
TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz Breaking for Spring
B
y now, many of you have already made your Spring Break reservations and are counting the days – but if not, you’re lucky. Houstonians are well placed to make a decision at the last minute. Some head east along 1-10 to Seaside, Florida, where legions of Houstonians are known to congregate during Spring Break and all summer long; others stay closer to home. Whether your Spring Break is a staycation, a quick getaway or the adventure of a lifetime, the important thing is to do it. Terrie and Rob James discovered Seaside, an idyllic community along Florida’s famed 30A
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 22
near Destin, in 2011. Their longtime friends and Memorial neighbors Anna and Tim Jones had been going for several years, and had fallen in love with the place. It was easy to see why. Many Houston families travel together to Seaside and its surrounding neighborhood of Watercolor, renting homes just down the road from each other. For the Jameses and Joneses, when they aren’t enjoying Seaside’s sugar-white sand beaches and emerald water, they’re biking down picture-perfect lanes and trails; stand-up paddleboarding with friends; ordering a Frost Bite snow cone or a grilled cheese sandwich from the vintage Airstream
trailers that line 30A in the center of Seaside; or playing flashlight tag at sundown. On one trip the Jameses’ three daughters – Carolyn, Emily and Sarah Kate – took off with friends their first day in Seaside. “We suddenly had the afternoon to ourselves, so we were able to sit, have a cocktail, and enjoy the view from Bud and Alley’s.” “It’s a little community,” explained her friend Anna, who’s been going to Seaside for seven years. “Kids are free to be kids; they’ll go get their snow cones and run around with their friends and go to the beach and go surfing…. For us it’s just a fun, active family vacation. There’s some-
thing for everyone there.” Other Houston families have found other ways to experience the magic of shared Spring Break with friends and family. Usually the Shahs go skiing in Tahoe, and the Yalamanchilis have gone on a Disney Caribbean cruise and skiing in Vail on recent Spring Breaks. But a couple of years ago, Nina Shah was looking to save money and was shocked by the airline ticket prices to just about anywhere – at a minimum of $300 apiece, for a family of five it was a stretch. And Sushma Yalamanchili, whose husband Haresh couldn’t get away last year for Spring Break, decided at the last minute to team up with her friends Julie Weatherly and Yvette Gotthelf and find a closer destination. The Shahs coordinated with other friends in Bellaire, the Allens and the Garcias, who have children around the same age, and caravanned together to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. They chose the place for its giant indoor waterpark – ideal for a pack of little ones. At the time, her son and daughter, Vir and Uma, were 5 and 6. The kids were enthralled with Great Wolf Lodge – which looks like an ordinary hotel on the outside but behind the ordinary façade there’s an imaginary forest, vast waterpark and roaming characters. But what captivated them the most was Magic Quest. Modeled after the Harry Potter books, the game involved following
HOUSTON HITS THE BEACH The Jones and James families from Memorial enjoy vacationing with other Houston friends at a favorite getaway spot, Watercolor Resort at Seaside, Fla. From left, back row: Emily James, Katie Jones, Sarah Kate James, Claire Gammill (riding piggyback), Carolyn Stewart, Maddie Hiskey, Bryant Hiskey, Kenzie Hiskey and Carolyn James. Front row: Olivia Jones, Evan Jones.
clues to find magic wands hidden all over the resort. “The kids would wake up in the morning and say, “Oh, can I go with Augustine and do a quest? And they can’t really get lost; it’s a
nice contained way for them to roam around.” Meanwhile, the moms could relax, go to the gym or just hang out. Later, as the children swam or watched the dive-in movie, they could sit at the bar overlooking (continued on page 24)
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 23
(continued from page 23) the pool and enjoy a
drink together. Sushma’s group chose Lakeway Resort in Austin at the suggestion of some of her Austin friends, one of whom had gotten married there. Her boys, Ravi and Rohan, are 8 and 9; Julie has two boys the same age, and Yvette has an 8 year old. At Lakeway they went fishing and enjoyed an indoor pool with “dive-in” movies; on a day trip into Austin, they explored Barton Springs. “We have had some trips that by the time we returned home, we needed a vacation from the vacation,” Sushma said. “For this trip, we just packed up the car and left for a few days, and it was a spontaneous, last-minute decision.” Sushma says her husband is sorry he missed it last year – and he doesn’t plan to again. “I think it’s really important for the family to spend quality time together over Spring Break— wherever you choose to spend it,” Sushma said. “I think it makes the family a closer unit and creates lasting memories for all of us.” For families with kids at home, long gone are the days of lounging on the beach with an umbrella drink. But that’s not to say that Spring Break is a thing of the past – or that it has to be all about the kids. For the spontaneous among you, we’ve put our heads together and come up with a few suggestions.
Quick Trips Some years it’s enough to just pack the kids in the car and do day trips or head to the closest available resort. If that’s you: San Antonio: Explore the city’s new Mission Reach of the expanded River Walk – think hiking, biking or kayaking along the San Antonio River going south past all four Spanish Colonial Missions, recently nominated as a World Heritage Site. Visitors can save hundreds on their San Antonio Spring Break with the city’s SAVE (San Antonio Vacation Experience) program (visitsanantonio.com). Southwest Louisiana: Mosey along the 180mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road with stops for alligator adventures, airboat tours, shelling on the Gulf beaches or bird watching. Download the free smartphone app at creolenaturetrail.org. Galveston: Moody Gardens has a couple of new items for Spring Break: National Geographic Real Pirates exhibit, and a new ropes course and zipline. Adventurers, take a stand-up paddle board excursion with Ohana Surf & Skate (lessons available). Gamers, drop by Board Game Island, a new café at 213 23rd St. Foodies, head down the street to the new kitchen boutique, Kitchen Chick, 528 23rd St. For sea and sand, head for Stewart Beach (named one of the best family-friendly beaches in America by Family Vacation Critic last year) over East Beach, which is known as the “party” beach in Galveston and is the only public beach park where alcohol is permitted. Houston area: Blessington Farms in MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 24
BARTON SPRING BREAK Three Buzz-area families take a timeout together to enjoy a bit of Austin. From left: Cole Wakil, Sean Gotthelf, Ravi Yalamanchili and Jake Wakil.
Simonton gives kids a taste of the farm life. Pick your own strawberries, then set the kids loose to explore the giant hill slides, barreltrain rides, a giant sand mountain, hay rides, pedal cars, chickens to hold, a hay maze and more. From March 8 to 11, the Compassion International Change the Story Tour will set up its 3,500-square-foot interactive Mobile Experience here, giving families a chance to travel virtually to other countries and see the lives of real families.
Road Warriors Moab, Utah, with layover in Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Experience this geological marvel by camping, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and, new this year, zip lining at Palo Duro Adventure Park, located just outside the state park entrance. There’s plenty to see in Amarillo, too; cowboys still ride the range, you can still find a chuck wagon meal, and thanks to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, the town is also home to more than 100 quarter horse sculptures that dot the city, each of them painted in a different and often imaginative way. Moab (18-hour drive from Houston): Take the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, see remnants
of an old copper mill and Indian rock art, and take the kids rappelling and learn climbing techniques with one of Moab’s trained tour companies. Arches National Park is a breathtaking sight, as is the nearby Canyonlands National Park, and both have several short trails great for children. Consider renting a campground cabin for the family spring break.
Florida Beachcombers Destin: On Florida’s Gulf Coast, Destin has become a hub for Houstonians. Like Seaside, it’s a day’s drive east down I-10, and the waters are emerald green and inviting. For those who want a little more action than bucolic Seaside, Destin Harbor is where it’s at. You can walk along the docks to see the charter fishing boats coming in with their catch (or charter an excursion yourself). Take a dolphin cruise, go parasailing or jet skiing. For schoolage kids, there is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park as well as Big Kahunas Waterpark. Note: Last season, Destin started having an influx of Spring Breakers, who became unruly and littered the beach. “The Sheriff’s office came out in full force, and we’re hoping word spreads fast this is NOT for the Spring Break party crowd,” said Tracy Louthain, Destin spokesperson. “Up until last year, it was all families.”
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 25
SPORTS
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by Todd Freed, staff writer
SportzBuzz N
ational Signing Day amounted to a magnificent day for the Lamar High School football team, with eight players signing their official letters of intent to play at the highest level of collegiate football. Four of the signees – Darrell Colbert, Braylon Hyder, Kyran Mitchell and Shelby Walker – will play for the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. “The coaches at SMU respect our winning tradition here at Lamar,” said player Colbert. “We have great talent and coaches at Lamar, and that’s why you’re seeing so many of us moving on to the next level.” In addition to the SMU signees, Ira SavageLewis signed with Baylor, John Plattenburg is going to USC, Brandon Agomuo is heading to New Mexico State, and John Bonney signed with The University of Texas. Bonney’s signing was especially big for Texas in the wake of reports that the highly touted defensive back was considering a switch to Auburn or Baylor. “The last couple of days were pretty stressful,” said Bonney. “But I really like new head coach, Charlie Strong, and the idea of being part of something special at UT. It’s been a life-long dream for me to play at Texas.” The eight Division 1 signees for Lamar is more than any high school in all of Greater Houston. “It was an incredible class of players, and we’re going to miss those guys,” said Lamar head coach Tom Nolen. In basketball, with big wins over The Woodlands Christian and Cypress Christian to close out the regular season, St. Thomas’ Episcopal captured its TAPPS-3A District Championship with an undefeated 12-0 record in district play. In addition, with an overall 239 record, STE entered the playoffs as the state’s No. 3-ranked small private school. “We’ve been playing really well, despite playing a bunch of freshmen this season,” said head coach Chris Twine. “We played a really tough non-district schedule against some good public schools, and that helped us out at well. One of our big non-district wins was against Wichita Falls by 10 points. We also beat state-ranked Bay Area Christian by 28 points and Lutheran North by 20 points.” MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 26
GALLOPING ON With the return of several outstanding seniors, including Lanie Russo (left) and Olivia Wood, the Memorial Mustangs have their sights set on another successful season.
Twine had high praise for his five starting players, including Isaiah Specks, son Chase Twine, James Masterson, Ehi Airwele and J.T. Williams. “It’s a really strong group. Isaiah is a 6-4 power forward who averages 21 points a game. Chase averages 14 points per game, and he’s only a sophomore. Also, James and Ehi average about 12 points a game, and J.T. is our junior point guard who averages eight points and five assists a game.” With that kind of talent, Twine has his sights on duplicating last year’s success in the playoffs. “We made it all the way to the state Final Four for the first time in school history last year, and that was a pretty great deal for our school.” With a talented and experienced lineup, the Memorial Mustangs girls soccer team has high expectations this season. “We’ve got 14 returners, including 10 seniors, so we’re pretty excited about our prospects,” said Mustangs head coach Lindley Amarantos. The Mustangs certainly were off to a promising start by finishing second in the I-10 Shootout soccer tournament, which brings many of the region’s top teams to Katy each year. “The girls played well,” said Amarantos. “It’s a great tournament, so we’re pleased to finish second.” Among the key starters returning from a team
that advanced to the third round of the playoffs last year is senior midfielder Lanie Russo. “Lanie is a dynamic player. She controls the middle and can really change the game.” Also, senior Leslie Bonner, who’ll play college soccer at Texas Christian University is back for the Mustangs. “Leslie’s a powerhouse,” said Amarantos. “She’s extremely strong and physical. In addition, Amarantos had high praise for senior forward Olivia Brook, as well as senior defender Maggie Sherwood. “Olivia is one of the fastest players you’ll see on the soccer field. She’s signed to play at Texas. Maggie’s just a great defender. She is extremely consistent game in and game out. “I expect us to fight for a district championship. Last year, we lost a tough 2-1 game in the playoffs to a Katy-Taylor team that advanced to the state tournament, so with so many players coming back, I think we have a chance to go a long way again this season.” Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardwinning co-host and producer of the KUBE SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 27
SPORTS
by Jacob Padden, contributing writer
SportzBuzz, Jr.
W
Nothing but net Eighth-grader Michael Melody (top photo) of the River Oaks Baptist varsity basketball team dribbles around his opponent. The basketball regular season for private middle schools recently came to completion on the varsity, junior varsity and sixth-grade levels. River Oaks Baptist is in the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference, and they also played against some schools in the Greater Houston Athletic Conference.
Melanie Hightower
elcome to SportzBuzz, Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school. This month we’re all about middle school.
Lady Eagles ruled Congratulations to the Memorial Middle School Lady Eagles seventhgrade A basketball team (middle photo), which won first place in the Spring Branch Independent School District tournament. Pictured from left are (front row) Eileen Gex, Sarah Stokes, Claire Johnson, Georgia Henkel, Kendall Kerr, (back row) Meghan Swantkowski, Claudia McDermott, Emily Scofield, Katie Miller, Emily McCown, Rylan Saleh and coach Kim Moore.
Stephen Schnitzer (bottom photo), a seventh grader at The Kinkaid School Middle School, took down his opponent at the sixth annual War on the Floor wrestling competition. The War on the Floor event is a showdown between rivals Kinkaid and St. John’s School. It includes both the middle school and high school wrestling teams. This year Kinkaid inched out St. John’s and won 70-69, proving that every match counts. Each school has now won the competition three times. Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behindthe-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportsBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis. MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 28
Georgia Ellis Piazza
War on a floor
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When bad hives happen to good people Hives (or urticaria, in medical lingo) are red, itchy, raised areas of the skin with clear borders. They are an inflammation of the skin triggered when the immune system releases histamine, causing blood vessels to leak, leading to swelling and itching. They can appear anywhere on the body and for most people last a few days to weeks, earning the title “acute urticaria.” In some cases, a trigger can be identified, like a viral or bacterial infection, food, drug or insect sting reactions, or even a physical factor, like cold, heat, sun, exercise or pressure. If you are lucky enough to find a trigger, avoidance of that trigger will typically result in resolution of the hives. In the case of acute urticaria, oral antihistamines are typically helpful to relieve the itching and shorten the duration of the flare. Some people, however, suffer from “chronic urticaria,” which can last months to years. These hives can become particularly cumbersome. They are especially itchy and large, cover large surface areas of the skin, and are frequently resistant to traditional treatment regimens. They have a large impact on a person’s quality of life and can cause sleepless nights and missed days of work. Frequently patients will be given steroids, which may help temporarily, but rarely lead to resolution of the hives. With this type of hive, we have to break out the big guns. Zyrtec and Allegra are the two best antihistamines available over the counter, and the prescription versions really are not better. In some cases, we have to use above the normal “24-hour” dose of one pill to see relief. Sometimes it takes two, three, or even four in a 24-hour period. If this does not offer significant benefit, there are other drugs such as dapsone and tacrolimus that may be tried. These actually affect
the way the immune system works, and routine blood work while on these meds may be required. A promising biotech drug called Xolair has been shown to be effective in people battling chronic hives. Xolair has been available in the United States to treat asthma for 10 years, but sometime in 2014 the FDA will approve it for chronic urticaria that doesn’t respond to antihistamines. For chronic hives, blood work may be done, looking for an internal reason for the problem, like thyroid disease, autoimmune issues, high IgE (allergy antibody), etc. Skin testing to environmental allergens or drug testing to suspected drug culprits may also be warranted. Regardless of whether a trigger is found or not, a board-certified allergist can help make sure the hives don’t become a constant burden in your life, and give you the tools needed to help prevent and better control flares of your hives. Talk with your allergist today, and be on the way to better control of your hives! No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs. Alnoor A. Malick, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy & Asthma Clinic
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 29
NEIGHBORS
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz About Town Cup in Sugar Land. Pictured from left are (front row) Sarah Nicholas, Kayla Bonilla, Olivia McLemore, Hallie Wuensch, Jacinda Isbell, Caroline Kirschner, (back row) Kaitlyn Wendland, Andrea Rocha, Faith Askew, Kylie Richard, Suzanna Jinks, Gracyn Scholz, Katherine Ancira and coach Abraham Goitom.
Good job, Blue
British invasion Congrats to team 00G Blue of the Albion Hurricanes FC Soccer Club, who won their division championship at the Eclipse International
Parents and faculty of Memorial Drive Elementary got their Brit on during the Britishthemed “MDE Calling” auction party high above downtown at the Houston Club in One Shell Plaza. Parents arrived on a London-style double
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the big board. Pictured are auction chairs Lisa Westerman (at left), Jennifer Espey (right) and auction finance chair Laura Horn (standing).
A cool school
a new green screen in the broadcasting room, where they can use different backgrounds. There’s a new garden, thanks to the PTA. The Healthy Lifestyles committee, chaired by Heather Rexrode, helped get grants and donations. The building’s second floor overlooks the garden area, which has six raised beds and a butterfly garden.
Pecan Bowl
dents was followed by a barbecue lunch. About 80 players signed up, comprising four teams. After playoffs, the two teams left standing were the East and South squads. The final game was a scoreless tie, which forced the first overtime game in the three-year Pecan Bowl history. On the first possession of OT, the East put the game’s first points on the board and converted the extra point to make it 7-0. Pictured is the game-winning touchdown by Travis McAfee, as Brad Poteet, Morgan Moore and Brett Waltz watch.
Works of art
The doors opened at the newly rebuilt Frostwood Elementary this semester, and students, including PTA president Tracey Rogan’s daughters, fourth-grader Margaret Rogan and second-grader Audrey Rogan (pictured, from left), entered with excitement. All classrooms have Brightlink projection. The school library is called the Media Center and is a place for checking out books, but is also equipped with computers and iPads for student-research needs. Students create daily announcements in front of
The third annual Pecan Bowl, a flag-football tournament for grownups played on the grounds at Westchester Academy School, was a real nailbiter. The popular community event for Wilchester Elementary-area neighborhood resi-
Steel Uptmor won The Yorkshire Academy’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art contest. Not only will Steel’s artwork be displayed at Reliant Park for the duration of the rodeo, but he was also given a scholarship to attend the Glassell School of Art for this summer. Student participants (pictured, from left) included (back row) Lucy Payne, Emma (continued on page 32)
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 31
Steel Uptmor, Daniel Berg-Johansen, Sean Lade, (middle row) Sammie Loe, K. Lehtonen, Maria Hansen, Lucy Abel, (front row) Rayaan Khan, Isobel Neal, Logan Forsyth, Stine Karlsen, Sue Yum and Justin Park.
the opportunity to donate items for the silent auction. Pictured (from left) are gala chairs Hank and Tonya Hamilton and Covenant House Guild president June Reeder. For more information, contact Keiundra Jackson at 713630-5610 or see covenanthousetx.org.
Covenant House Texas Gala
Battleship celebrates 100 years
Excitement is building for the 2014 Covenant House Texas Gala on March 28 coordinated by the CHT Guild of volunteers. The theme this year is A Night in Time. The gala will take place at the Hilton Americas-Houston. As the No. 1 fundraising event for Covenant House Texas, the annual gala helps make it possible for CHT to help homeless and runaway youth. Table sponsorships and tickets are available, as well as
On March 15, the Battleship Texas Foundation, working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, will host a festival to commemorate the ship’s 100th commissioning anniversary. The ship is the last remaining big-gun battleship in the U.S. Naval fleet that served in both World Wars. The festival will honor the ship and the men who served on her, including the late Lloyd Gregory, who was appointed in 1948 by Texas Gov. Beauford Jester as the first chairman of the Battleship Texas Commission. His son Tony Gregory and his mom, Caroline Gregory, will be at the milestone event. The festival will be held on the grounds surrounding the Battleship Texas (3523 Independence Pkwy., La Porte) and will feature educational exhibits, ship tours, a fireworks display, concessions and live musical entertainment throughout the day, from Robert Earl Keen, Reckless Kelly, Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison and Charlie Robison. Pre-sale tickets are available for $14 at battleshiptexas.org or at the gate for $20. Children 12 and under are free. Discounted prices are available for veterans, $8 pre-sale and $15 at
(continued from page 31) Morgan, Hunter Uptmor,
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 32
the gate. For more information on the battleship, see tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/battleship-texas.
Walking for water
More than 53 kids and their parents took an outdoor “water walk” down a “yellow brick road of empathy and understanding” at the home of Dena and Chris Winkler during Houston Children Give Back’s (HCGB) inaugural H20 + Kids event. All proceeds went to build water wells in Bangladesh and Kenya. During the walk, kids hauled yellow jerry cans with dirty water, then sanitized the liquid using
a basic water-filtration system involving two plastic Coke bottles, sand and gravel. Pictured is Ella Meloy hauling jerry cans during the water walk at the H20 + Kids party. Also participating were Carrie, Matt and Mark Meloy, Lulu Tan with Ian and Evan Zhang, and Silen Pahlavan with Nick and Noah Parvizian. HCGB’s water campaign concludes March 31. See houstonchildrengiveback.org.
Three new Eagles
There are three new Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop #641 of Chapelwood United Methodist Church: (pictured, from left) Logan Christopher Walker, Riley Norman Walker and James Wesley Raley, all of Memorial High School. Logan’s Eagle service project was to install and dedicate benches at the new Hunter’s Creek city park. Riley built a rock-
garden sanctuary at Esperanza En Cristo Church, and James installed a new floor in a classroom at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in the Fourth Ward.
Helping kids who need it
efit families at risk of child abuse. With a goal of raising $320,000, the gala will help ESCAPE provide parenting programs to more than 6,000 parents and children in the Houston area. Pictured are co-chairs Joan Schnitzer Levy and Gerald Franklin. See learntoparent.org.
Mark your calendar for the ESCAPE Family Resource Center Celebrity Serve Benefit, themed Emerald City … There’s No Place Like Home. The evening will take place April 13 at Tony’s Restaurant and will raise money to ben-
Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 33
YOUNG LEADERS Jack Oldham, a sophomore at School of the Woods’ Woods High School, was one of 28 teens out of more than 400 applicants chosen to be on Mayor Annise Parker’s Mayor’s Youth Council.
KIDS by Jack Oldham, age 15
Buzz Kidz
On the Mayor’s Youth Council
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n October 29, 2013, I was excited to join the Mayor’s Youth Council here in Houston. On that day, I was sworn in to my position on the council by Mayor Annise Parker. I began the whole process in August. After completing a strenuous application and meeting with the chief service officer of the Volunteer Initiatives Program, I was accepted in midOctober. It was all worth it to have such a great opportunity. I am able to learn about my community’s governing system and work with organizations that help people in the area. Joining the council was both a new experience as well as something that I have become accustomed to over time. My school, School of the Woods, has prepared me through years
of education in a social environment to enter a group that both represents Houston’s youth and gives back to the community. I have learned how to work in a group and cooperate with others through programs like Montessori Model United Nations and Service Learning at school. Being on the Mayor’s Youth Council allows me to stand for the young people in Houston and voice their opinions and my own in an open environment that actually has an impact over the things that happen within the City of Houston. I think that the city would really benefit from more of the youth voicing their opinions publicly. The local government officials the council and I have met over the past months have all been very open to hearing our opinions
Enroll before March 1st, 2014 to receive 10% off Summer Dance Camp Dance Camps for ages 3-7 Summer Intensive Training for ages 8-18
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MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 34
and seem to enjoy listening to them. My goal is to fully represent the youth of Houston. Since joining the council, I have already met the mayor, two City Council members, the president of the Houston Texans, and several other important people in the area. I have also participated in programs like the Souper Bowl of Caring. Young people have voices that should be heard by everyone, including their peers. Empowering the youth of today is building a better tomorrow. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401.
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Watch polo come alive! The Houston Polo Club. Sunday polo and a whole lot more.
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DINING GUIDE by Dai Huynh, staff writer
This Month in Dining: Sports Bars Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime restaurant writer. Her visits to restaurants in our Buzz Dining Guide were anonymous, and she paid for her meals to maintain objectivity. We’d love your thoughts too. Write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with your own dining opinions and suggestions. Also, you can contribute in the Comments section under the online version of this story at bellairebuzz.com.
Bite Macarons
YARD HOUSE Sports fans and families gather at the Yard House for its multiple TV screens and a well-executed, diverse menu.
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here is no shortage of bars at which to watch the crowd-pleasing spectacle that is March Madness. Here, amid draft choices and a chilled-out vibe, you can cheer or jeer while chomping on quasi-tapas and pub grub as flat-screen TVs broadcast whatever NCAA game’s playing or being overanalyzed. It’s fun, and just more exciting when watching with a crowd. Rarely do these places take reservations, so arrive early to snag a prime viewing spot, or, in the case of the Celtic Gardens (2300 Louisiana), a cozy leather sofa or a picnic table on the expansive patio. Along with a 24-faucet draft-beer tower named Goliath, regulars can choose from 20-plus bottled beers and a better-than-average selection of bar food, including seared ahi tuna sliders, quesadillas with marinated artichokes and mushrooms, and Southern-fried chicken tenders with waffle fries. For local football fans, the Houston Texans Grille (12848 Queensbury Lane) is the place at which to celebrate or commiserate. Nearby, in the heart of CityCentre, Yard House (800 Sorella Court) appeals to foodies, sports fans and families with its wide variety of choices, from Chinese-style, orangepeel chicken to Cajun spicy jambalaya with jumbo shrimp. Chula’s Sports Cantina (9501 Southwest Freeway and 10500 Katy Freeway) embodies a bordertown ambiance with skimpily dressed waitresses and buffalo wings and Tex-Mex standards. The big advantage here is the multiple screens, and – even better – almost all of the booths have their own personal TVs to tune into your game of choice. In the Galleria, Champps Americana (1121 Uptown Park Blvd.) boasts it has the best seat outside the stadium. That’s because there are 30 flat-screen TVs, including four giant-screen projectors reserved for Texas teams. Here, guests can watch multiple live games at once while chomping on a signature gourmet burger, or they can request a specific sporting event. MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 36
French pastries Neighborhood: West University Making macarons is a dare, especially in Houston’s soggy climate. These delicate orbs in a multitude of colors and flavors are finicky. Their golden, smooth crust turns into dud-like chews at the hint of humidity. Macarons also demand surgical precision in the sifting of superfine sugar and ground almonds, combined with the beating of egg whites. A misstep and the result is a gritty fistful of chalk. And so, it was a treat (and surprise) to bite into the puffed-up salted caramel and pistachio renditions from Bite (in the Kroger shopping center). At last, the search for macarons “almost” like those from the venerable Ladurée in Paris is over. Granted, the weather was perfect that day – hardly a hint of humidity, nor a disappointed face at this charming whitegloss dessert-coffee house. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sun. 5172-B Buffalo Speedway, 713-664-2483. $
Costa Brava Bistro French-and-Spanish cuisine Neighborhood: Bellaire Working backward at this Spanish-inspired restaurant, the refined desserts include crema Catalan with a miraculous crunchy sugar glaze
and an apple tart that smartly blends smoky caramel with buttery pastry. The flavorful seafood paella from owner Angeles Duenas’ grandfather sports perfectly al dente rice. Moist roasted duck and shrimp piquant with garlic make this upscale spot pleasing. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. and dinner Sat. 5115 Bellaire Blvd., 713-839-1005. costabravabistro.com. $$$
Étoile Authentic French Neighborhood: Galleria area When several talented French chefs urge you to try the food at Étoile, it’s hard to dispute their keen taste for the food of their homeland. Just as they said, the flavors here are true, and ownerchef Philippe Verpiand and wife Monica Bui have created an alluringly warm showcase for a hearty coq au vin and tender sole meunière with lemon caper sauce, fingerling potatoes and roasted cauliflower – both brunch items. Briny mussels flavored with tomatoes and onions are served with homemade pomme frites and garlic aioli. The beauty of this place is almost everything is made from scratch, including the crusty baguettes. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., 832-668-5808. etoilecuisine.com. $$
Fioza Gourmet coffees & paninis Neighborhood: Meyerland
Fragrant coffees from a local roaster are bolstered by crispy paninis in this cozy nook frequented by Latin professionals. Stellar croissants and fresh baked goods support a minimalistic breakfast-sandwich menu that includes baked eggs with either mushroom and pesto or tomato, pesto and fresh basil. Stack corn beef onto any, and at lunchtime, try the chicken pesto or roasted vegetables with goat cheese. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 9002 Chimney Rock Road, 713-729-8810. fioza.com. $
Hugo’s Regional Mexican Neighborhood: Montrose Tex-Mex was the game in town until risk takers such as Hugo’s owner-chef Hugo Ortega set out to educate Houstonians about the food of his motherland. Many traditional Mexican establishments have failed, but not the high-ceiling, palatial Hugo’s, with such comida tipica as a soulful offthe-menu oxtail soup, earthy moles and snapper tamales fragrant in banana leaves. Perennial favorites are the wood-grilled rib-eye steak and baby pig roasted in banana leaves, not to mention pan-fried grasshoppers, which taste like popcorn and are delicious when paired with a blanco tequila. The crown jewel is Hugo’s Sunday brunch – a majestic cornucopian spread, worth every peso. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1600 Westheimer Road, 713-524-7744. hugosrestaurant.net. $$$
Izakaya Wa Authentic Japanese Neighborhood: Memorial You can tell a lot about a restaurant by the diners. In this case, about 80 percent of the customers at Izakaya Wa are Japanese. Here, they can savor the true flavors of home without flying home. No wonder. Kubo-san is in the kitchen. Hajime Kubokawa is revered by chefs around town. There is artistry in how he wields the knife. His expertly sliced sushi and sashimi melt on the palate. But at Izakaya Wa, he has left the sushi bar in the very capable hands of business partner Akira Asano. Instead, Kubokawa is in the kitchen prepping homey noodle soups, stews and izakaya, or Japanese tapas of grilled and fried meats and vegetables, best enjoyed with friends over good, cold beers. Food by Kubo-san can be a revelation. Simplicity defines Japanese cookery, and he has mastered its succinctness. Want to learn about real Japanese food? Here is your chance. A great perspective is the rotating halfand-half lunch special, consisting a rice dish and a noodle dish – a rare duo offering in the U.S., but common in Japan. Lunch Mon.-Thurs. and dinner Mon.-Sun. 12665 Memorial Drive, 713461-0155. izakayawa.com. $$
Jonathan’s The Rub American classics Neighborhood: Memorial (continued on page 38)
Expertise • Service • Satisfaction D SOL Susan Aggarwal
Mary BurrellHutchins
Jean Risha
Karen Parker
Wendy Bellow and Pat Nimtz
Tracie Pierce
Connie Wong
Judy LaFico
Lynette Lew
Bet Jennings
12850 Memorial Drive, Suite 1155 • Houston TX 77024 • www.garygreene.com • 713.461.6800 ©2012 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 37
affair, while Provision serves casual edibles, including smartly donned sandwiches and billowy pizzas with such toppings as kale with pork sausage and duck confit with potato and pickled currants. There are some crossovers of dishes and kitchen playfulness between the two menus. Provisions, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat; Pass, dinner only. 808 Taft, 713-628-9020. Passandprovisions.com. $$-$$$$
Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana Neopolitan-style pizzas Neighborhood: Memorial Pizzerias abound. But Pizaro’s stands above most in its attempt to recreate authentic Neopolitan-style pies in a custom-made, Italian, wood-fired brick oven. Here, the pizzas comes out puffy, beautifully charred around the edges in 90 seconds after baking in a 900degree inferno. We’re envious of nearby residents who can enjoy Pizaro’s creations daily, from the well-crafted margherita to the lusty calabrese, composed of spicy sopressata sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella and basil. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 14028 Memorial Drive, 281-5897277. pizarospizza.com. $
Post Oak Grill
IZAKAYA WA Stellar Japanese cuisine includes a half-and-half lunch special featuring a rice dish and noodle soup.
It isn’t unusual to find a chef or restaurateur at this BYOB eatery, chomping down on one of the juiciest grinders in town. It’s that good. Burger aficionados around Hedwig Village pay homage to the 9-ounce chargrilled ground chuck seasoned with chefowner Jonathan Levine’s secret rub seasonings. Available at lunchtime only, you can build your own, or opt for the original Rub with the usual fixings on sweet sourdough bun. There’s also the Blue with chunky blue cheese, the AVO with grilled avocado and the Latino Nuevo with chipotle mayonnaise and Mexican cheese. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Fri. and dinner Sat., 9061 Gaylord, 713-465-8200. jonathanstherub.com. $$
(continued from page 37)
Kenny & Ziggy’s New York deli Neighborhood: Galleria area Kenny & Ziggy’s is a wood-panelled delicatessen plastered with movie posters, memorabilia and anything else that might invoke Broadway. Homesick New Yorkers line up for pickled herring, bagels, lox, potato pancakes, and pastrami and corned-beef sandwiches, which owner Ziggy Gruber stacks with hand-sliced, triple-smoked beef. While packed for lunch, breakfast draws a much smaller crowd. But hearty morning fare is Kenny & Ziggy’s best-kept secret. The two eggs any style are a bargain at $7.95 and with enough food to share with your best friend.
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Huge servings are the standard here. Even so, the Texas-size bowls of homemade matzo ball soup empty quickly. These tender orbs have won competitions all over town. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 2327 Post Oak Blvd., 713-8718883. kennyandziggys.com. $$
Osteria Mazzantini Upscale rustic Italian Neighborhood: Galleria/Uptown Whipped lardo butter arrives with pillowy potato bread. If diners don't succumb to chefowner John Sheely's opening act, then they'll likely fall for his house-made ravioli, stuffed with earthy sweetbreads and kale, then lightly tossed in seared browned butter dotted with aged balsamic vinegar. The flavors are appealing – caramelized saltiness shot through with sweet and sour notes. Desserts are creative but grounded in Old World flavors, such as a mousse made with limoncello and an orangeolive oil cake with olive oil ice gelato and zabaglione. Lunch and dinner, Mon.-Sun., 2200 Post Oak Blvd. No. 140, 713-993-9898. osteriamazzantini.com. $$$$
Gulf Coast classics Neighborhood: Tanglewood Happiness exists in a bread basket at this popular outpost for business lunches. The basket usually cradles oven-fresh biscuits fragrant with green onions, bacon and cheddar cheese. One really isn’t enough; nor is two or three. Slow down, though, or you’ll fill up before the perfectly grilled rainbow trout arrives, glistening lightly with butter-caper sauce. Polo Becerra is a classic chef with a timeless approach of keeping ingredients simple and clean, with just a sheath of sauce to elevate the flavors of beef and seafood. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sat., 1415 S. Post Oak Lane, 713-993-9966. postoakgrill.com. $$$
Quattro Contemporary Italian Neighborhood: Downtown Talented chef Maurizio Ferrarese brings the flavors of his native Italy to Quattro at the Four Seasons Hotel. The dining room is an elegant affair. Quality is high, and almost everything is made in-house. Just as engaging is the adjoining Vinoteca Quattro bar where an eclectic group of downtown workers unwind over Italian beers, wines and Italian small plates during happy hour. From 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, guests can purchase a wine or cocktail and allyou-can-eat antipasti for $18. Breakfast, lunch & dining Mon.-Sun. 1300 Lamar, 713-6501300. quattrorestauranthouston.com. $$-$$$$
Pass & Provisions Inventive modern fare Neighborhood: Fourth Ward A duo eatery in one space – white-tablecloth Pass and bustling Provisions. Pass is a caviar
Smallcakes Cupcake emporium Neighborhood: Memorial We stumbled on this tiny, sweet-smelling
shop by accident, and a happy one at that. The cupcakes here are edible icons of childhood innocence. Nearly perfect. Voluptuous. The cake is moist and tender. The well-balanced frosting is buttery and fluffy. The Choco-holic (chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream) and the Caramel Crunch (with sea salt and pretzel) exemplify grown-up flavors and highquality ingredients. About 15 flavors are featured daily by this Kansas franchise founded by Jeff Martin, who competed on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and was featured on The View, where one of the hosts declared, “Now this is a red velvet cupcake right here.” Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. 1531 Eldridge Parkway, 281-9209110. smallcakesmemorial.com. $
Sparrow Bar + Cookshop Modern American Neighborhood: Midtown Monica Pope is forever reinventing herself and her restaurant concept. Her latest incarnation, the Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, applies beautiful, subtle flavors to farm-fresh local ingredients. Bronzed Texas quail nestles on warm yellow-corn grits hinting of orange zest. Caramel miso and blossom butter enhance hanger steak. Creativity carries over to a dynamic cocktail menu. Pope grasped the value of using fresh fruits and herbs in drinks long before it became a trend. Her hand-crafted cocktails push boundaries to offer new, exciting flavors, such as a vodka creation
with roasted red bell pepper puree, shiitake mushroom vermouth and jalapeño syrup. Lunch and dinner, Tues.-Sat., 3701 Travis, 713-5246922. sparrowhouston.com. $$$
Teotihuacan Tex-Mex originals Neighborhood: Northeast Houston Diners pack in day after day for grilled steaks, chiles rellenos and flautas in a room decorated with festive streamers. Co-owner Silvia Galvan applies soy sauce and black pepper to make fajitas and juicy sirloins with grilled onions. A must try: grilled shrimp, bathed in garlic butter, particularly satisfying wrapped in homemade corn tortillas and a dollop of lush guacamole. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 4624 Irvington, 713-695-8757. teomexicancafe.com. $
Underbelly Upscale Texas eats Neighborhood: Montrose Underbelly chef-owner Chris Shepherd’s menu is a touchstone of the nose-to-tail movement. The Oklahoman is known to haul a whole hog through a roomful of diners, and his passion is mirrored by a striking woodcutting of a snout at the entrance. Family-style offerings include a pork roast with smoky sweet cornbread. Another piglet rendition is spicy kimchi stew. Shepherd shares his fondness for Asian cuisines with sweeping touches here and there – all of which
are satisfying against an airy, modern, Texas Hill Country setting, with maple wood communal tables, fresh wildflowers and a wall of homemade preserves. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Thurs. and dinner Fri.-Sat. 1100 Westheimer Road, 712-5289800. underbellyhouston.com. $$$
Vallone’s Modern-American steakhouse Neighborhood: Memorial The option of adding any homemade pasta, such diminutive corn ravioli or short-rib tortellini, to your steak dinner for $9 adds to the appeal of the impeccably hand-cut slabs of steaks. But really all that is required for the juicy, charred, dry-aged, bone-in ribeye is a side of fries and a robust California cabernet. With his new steakhouse, restaurateur Tony Vallone again illustrates that he knows good food, and his impeccable tastes are expertly translated on the menu by executive chef-partner Grant Gordon. Normally, we skip sauces, especially when the steaks (wet and dry age) shine with just a dash of salt. But in this case, the cabernet foie gras jus and spicy béarnaise are hard to pass up, as is the Colorado lamb chop with chickpea purée. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. and dinner Sun. 947 Gessner, 713-3956100. vallonessteakhouse.com. $$$$
MORE ONLINE For more restaurants and to comment, see this story online at memorialbuzz.com.
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 39
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Is cosmetic surgery indulgent? Deducting car expenses Sometimes a potential patient will ask me, “Is this something I should do? Or is it too indulgent?” While cosmetic surgery is not medically necessary, most of my clients ultimately realize that their concerns about seeming overindulgent are misplaced. They are generally people who take good care of themselves, eat right and value exercise. However, it is very common to harbor some dissatisfaction about our appearance that neither diet nor exercise can resolve. The human body is a magnificent creation. Each has its own unique features that may alter with time and life events. Feeling good about your body is a foundation of self-esteem, confidence and contentment. In some cases, cosmetic surgery can help attain or maintain a more healthy, natural and proportional appearance. Sometimes, surgery is the only effective way to reach that goal. I believe that addressing my clients’ concerns about their physical appearance often allows them to be more confident in their intellect, creativity, humor or sexuality. This follows, because for most of us, looking our best contributes to our sense of well-being and contentment. Under the care of a skilled surgeon, cosmetic surgery is a safe and effective way to enhance your appearance and to ensure that you are presenting your best self every day. In the right situation, it is definitely not an indulgence, but an investment that can pay dividends for many years. Dr. Bonnie Baldwin, MD, 7700 San Felipe, Ste. 275, Houston, Texas 77063, 713.791.1975, www.bonniebaldwinmd.com
There are two ways to deduct business-car expenses: actual expenses or the IRS standard-mileage allowance method. For actual expenses, deduct fuel, oil changes, repairs, tires, washes, insurance, licenses, taxes, lease fees, towing, car-loan interest, tolls and depreciation. Fines for traffic violations are not deductible. Or, you can use the IRS standard-mileage allowance. For 2013, it was 56.5 cents per mile. For 2014, it is 56 cents per mile. Even if you use the IRS mileage rate, you deduct car-loan interest, taxes, tolls and parking. Your percentage of business use determines your deduction. Good records are important. At each appointment, list the mileage in your planner. The IRS allows for sampling methods, such as, the first week of the month for three consecutive months, if you use the car on a relatively even basis. If you have a newer, expensive car, or high insurance, you usually are better off using actual expenses. If you drive more than 15,000 miles per year or you get great finance terms, like zero interest, buying may give better deductions than leasing. Call 281-890-1111 for our most popular free publication “57 Top Tax Tips,” with tax-saving ideas for individuals, S corporations, PC, PLLC, LLC, LLP, partnerships or professional practices. Our CPA firm has prepared more than 40,000 tax returns over the past 28 years. Our motto is “More knowledge. Less taxes.” Lawrence Rohal, CPA Services LLC, 2909 Hillcroft, Suite F, (near Westheimer), 77057, 281-890-1111, Amazing02@msn.com, www.AmazingTax.com
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Member since 1966
Two book club favorites: March 11 and March 13 Details on our site! 14532 Memorial Drive at Dairy Ashford Houston, Texas 77079 • 281.497.8675 www.bluewillowbookshop.com MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 40
Create a buzz for your biz. Since 2002, The Buzz Magazines have earned trust, loyalty and relationships in our communities.
To advertise, call 713.668.4157 ext. 19 or email advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com
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Preparing future leaders
Out-of-state wills in Texas
Houston Christian High School, a premier college preparatory high school, has one of the top high school leadership programs in the United States. It is home to the George and Barbara Bush Center for Scholars and Leaders, the only high school leadership center bearing the name and integrating the leadership legacies of a U.S. president. The center develops scholarship and leadership, among other gifts, in students who attend Houston Christian as well as students from across the world. Houston Christian’s Passport to Lead Program has served students since its inception in 2004. Emphasis on leadership development, coupled with several distinguishing characteristics of the program, impacts all facets of school life for students at home and abroad. Houston Christian now offers an International Student Leadership Program (ISLP) during the summer to students from abroad. This opportunity brings future international leaders together with their American counterparts, with access to major industry leaders and travel throughout the Southeast region of Texas, and facilitates the practice of English as a second language and cultural emersion. Houston Christian High School is located at 2700 West Sam Houston Parkway North, at the intersection of Beltway 8 and Kempwood Drive. For additional information about the school or admission, call 713.580.6000 or visit the website at www.houstonchristian.org. Houston Christian High School, 2700 W Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, TX 77043, 713.580.6000, www.houstonchristian.org
This year Houston is ranked on various lists as one of the top moving destinations in the U.S. With the opportunities the Bayou City offers, and particularly in the Energy Corridor, those individuals relocating will continue to find Houston attractive. Another item to add to an already lengthy moving to-do list is to have your estate-planning documents reviewed by a Texas attorney. In general, a will executed in another state is valid in Texas. However, it may not contain language specific to Texas in order to make probate easier. Some language that is commonly missing in out-of-state wills is a provision to make the probate administration free from court supervision. Often this is because other states do not provide for the streamlined probate process that Texas offers. Also commonly missing in out-of-state wills is a self-proving affidavit. The benefit of this affidavit is that it is not necessary to take witnesses to court to probate the will. Again, the lack of this Texas-specific language does not make the out-of-state will invalid, but it creates an issue for your executor. Nancy L. Hamilton and Mitzi D. Rivero are attorneys practicing in the West Houston area. Nancy L. Hamilton, Board Certified – Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation for your estate-planning needs. Sloan & Moyer LLP, 11767 Katy Fwy. Suite 1130, Houston, Texas 77079, 832.327.1180, www.sloan-moyer.com
s e l i m S
GONE WILD!
™
HOUSTON PEDIATRIC DENTAL SPECIALISTS DR. REGINA LEWIS • DR. JULIE LONGORIA When was the last time your child had a grrrreat time at the dentist? We care for your children as if they were our own and their oral health is our priority.
Tanglewood Location 7660 Woodway 713.781.4746 West U Location 5311 Kirby 713.360.6432
smilesgonewild.net
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 41
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Ask Reneé, the Realtor
How do you choose?
This month’s real-estate question: “Reneé, any tips on how to secure buying a home when there are so few available?” Answer: Have your running shoes on! If you are in the market to buy a home, be ready and prepared. 1. Do you have to sell your home first? If so, get it on the market. Offers with contingencies will most likely not be considered. 2. Have you spoken to your lender? Start your pre-loan process, and provide a pre-approval letter with any offers you make. 3. Make your offer strong! This is not a “we are going to steal the deal” market. If the price is not overinflated, be prepared to offer the asking price. 4. Keep your negotiations simple; make the first offer for the property the best from the start. 5. If your offer is not selected, think about being in a “back-up” position. Sometimes the “glamourous, glitzy” offer the seller received will fall through, and you will have the first opportunity. 6. Trust your Realtor! We are in the trenches every day on behalf of buyers and sellers. Tales of multiple buyers are pretty common in Houston, and nearly one out of five are receiving over-list offers. Davy Oakum Properties is a full-service boutique firm specializing in the luxury market. Reneé Davy Oakum focuses on the clients’ goals first and foremost. Reneé and her firm are consistently recognized and recommended as the ones to go to for real-estate needs. Email your questions to Reneé. Reneé Davy Oakum Properties, 12900 Queensbury, Suite 101, Houston, Texas 77079, 713.647.8278, renee@davyoakumproperties.com, www.davyoakumproperties.com
Consider this: If dental continuing education is a critical factor to consider in choosing an exceptional dentist, how do you choose? Every dentist took a similar set of programs in order to become a dentist; however, from graduation the paths that are taken are very different. Dental graduates have displayed proficiency in the basics of dentistry; however, Dentistry 101 is not sufficient to become a super dentist, and unfortunately many dentists do not pursue their continuing education aggressively enough. In fact, Texas dentists are minimally required to accumulate 12 hours of education per year. Dr. Barras and his team routinely devote hundreds of hours yearly in pursuit of high quality, continuing education. Not only do Dr. Barras and his team take extracurricular classes, but they also participate in hands-on, live-patient programs at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. It is here that Dr. Barras and his team study the art of correcting misaligned teeth, creating healthy bites, and also treating TMJ problems. Many patients seek Dr. Barras due to their head, neck and jaw pain because his expertise helps relieve patients’ pain and discomfort. If you suffer from these symptoms, Dr. Barras and his team invite you to enjoy a higher quality of life today! Dentistry by John Barras, DDS, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77056, 713-993-9814, www.johnbarrasdds.com
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 42
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A minute with Maisie
Foot pain isn’t normal
Many clients ask me, “What happens to Fido, the family dog, in a divorce?” Surprisingly, the law classifies pets as personal property. In a divorce, the family court’s duty is to divide personal property in a just and right manner. Therefore, Fido must be awarded to one party. Many clients choose to avoid this harsh result and enter into an agreement regarding Fido, providing for periods of possession, division of veterinary bills, etc. This agreement should be in writing and can be enforceable under contract law. While the personal property designation for pets may seem insensitive, the Texas Family Code does provide some protection to the family pet if family violence has occurred. If you or someone you know is a victim of family violence, please reach out to someone immediately and ask for help. Jenkins & Kamin is a full-service boutique family law firm specializing in divorce, child custody modifications, grandparent access, paternity, adoption, and premarital and postmarital agreements. Maisie A. Barringer has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers as featured in Texas Monthly magazine for 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P., Maisie A. Barringer, Partner, Board Certified in Family Law, Two Greenway Plaza, Ste. 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinsandkamin.com
Our feet, they take us places. Yet many people walk in pain. Foot pain isn’t normal. There are some steps you can take to walk through life with comfortable, pain-free feet. 1. If you go to a pedicurist, be sure the salon is clean and always bring your own tools. 2. Look for signs of aging in your feet: Arthritis can set in, feet may get longer or wider, or you may develop hammertoes or bunions. 3. Ladies, try to keep your heel height to 1.5-2 inches. If you’re wearing a higher heel, take breaks and sit occasionally. 4. Be careful when trimming your nails. Always cut straight across and avoid cutting in a curved shape, which may cause an ingrown toenail. Don’t cut nails when they are wet. They are likely to tear or bend. 5. Consider your environment when going barefoot. Public areas, such as health clubs or pools, may pose a risk for fungal infections. 6. Check your feet daily for any changes. You depend on your feet, so make sure you give them the care they deserve. We can help to put a spring in your step and move on to more pain-free days. Call today for your appointment. Bellaire Podiatry/Nail Laser Center of Houston. Dr. Barry P. Weinstein, 4909 Bissonnet, Suite 120, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.721.5500, www.BarryWeinsteinDPM.com
MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 43
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NEIGHBORS
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by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Back Porch
Recipe wars
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very Christmas my family goes crazy for my sister’s strawberry pie. Her mother-inlaw, a native Louisianan, created the recipe, which literally has won awards and is a closely kept secret. My sister rated as its baker only after being married several years and because she lives in Dallas, far from her in-laws, and her husband needed that pie to make Christmas Christmas for him. Over the years, I hadn’t given much thought to the pie, except to scrape my plate clean of every crumb I got. But two years ago, as I sat at my sister’s bar watching her make it, the recipe taunting my line of sight, I asked if she would share. It was an offhand question – I didn’t want to steal my sister’s thing, but gosh that recipe would be nice to have on hand if I had company in the summer. My sister’s reaction was adamant: “Of course not. I promised never to share that recipe, and I won’t.” I pushed the issue (maybe just to see what would happen) and made my case: I live in Houston; I don’t know any of her mother-inlaw’s people; I would never give it out. My sister and I don’t fight, but this one got close. Point taken. Conversation closed. Fast-forward a year. I sat at the same counter again, and a friend, new to our Christmas traditions, asked about the pie, which my sister was serving. No way was I going to say one word, but no matter, because my sister jumped right in: “Nobody understands why I don’t give that recipe out. I made a promise; it’s her secret, I’m not going to do it no matter how mad people get.” Was I mad? Well, not before that moment, when I wanted to say, “I don’t want the *@!* recipe!” but instead checked my phone texts. Really, I don’t want the pie recipe. We all want my sister to make it, and it’s special because it’s hers. But the whole exchange – two years of it – got me thinking. I’m a decent cook. People come to dinner and ask for thirds. They call for recipes. And not once have I withheld (okay once, but that person really didn’t deserve that recipe at that moment so I was forced into sort of a passive-aggressive situation, but that’s another story). MEMORIAL BUZZ MARCH 2014 46
What do other people think about recipe sharing, or not? One seasoned cook Neiman Marcus’ (Once Secret) who’s published a couCookies (one of several versions) ple of cookbooks vents 1 cup butter at room temperature about people who won’t 1 cup sugar share, “It really bugs me. 1 cup brown sugar I mean, really, if we’re 2 eggs friends, we’re going to 1 teaspoon vanilla share way more personal 2 cups flour things than secret 2½ cups oatmeal (1 cup whirled in a recipes. And what am I blender or food processor) going to do? Claim it’s ½ teaspoon salt mine? If I do, who cares? 1 teaspoon baking soda Do you really identify 1 teaspoon baking powder yourself by your secret 12 ounces milk chocolate chips recipe? 1 8-ounce bittersweet chocolate bar, grated “And if you tell me 1½ cups pecans no the wrong way, well Preheat the oven to 375. With an electric then, dammit, I’m sure I mixer, cream together the butter and sugcan find the equivalent ars. Add the eggs one at a time. In a sepaif I Google hard rate bowl, mix the flour, oatmeal, salt, enough!” baking soda and baking powder. Mix the wet Another, who spoke and dry ingredients together, and stir in the “just because it’s anonychocolate and pecans. Drop golf-ball sized mous” says, “Food is for scoops onto cookie sheets, and bake in sharing. It’s a complithe oven for about 10 minutes, until lightment for someone to ly browned but soft in the middle. appreciate what you’ve made and want to make it for their family and friends. I have friends for noodle kugel with my mom, but didn’t want who don’t like sharing, and I don’t get it. I wonit shared farther. She passed away long ago, so der if those friends don’t use cookbooks. Those when we make it we think of her. It has a unique chefs shared. Are so-and-so’s brownies more spepresentation, so I’m often asked for the recipe cial than Brennan’s bread pudding?” but won’t give it out. Since it isn’t an everyday But there’s always another side to the recipe, I don’t think people are annoyed that I debate. One friend says she gets a jar of “magiwon’t share. cal” homemade queso, another secret recipe, as “I’d think it was odd for someone to refuse an annual holiday present from a neighbor. to share any recipe or leave out an ingredient “We hate to see the bottom of the jar!” she to make someone else’s version less delicious, says. But she’s not bitter being denied the but a single recipe with a personal reason isn’t recipe. She says the secrecy makes the queso a big deal.” that much more special. Yes, friendship and family before pie. I love Another well-regarded cook had this to say: my sister in a gargantuan way. “I share every recipe except one. A neighbor Whether or not she’s a recipe hoarder. when I was growing up shared her prized recipe